by Tova Sherman
The construction industry is recognizing your mental health needs…now what?
In July 2025, Global News reported on a study conducted by Construction Safety Nova Scotia (CSNS) that claimed many of the sector’s workers are struggling with mental health issues. In fact, the study found 50 per cent of construction workers contemplate leaving their jobs due to its stressful nature, which in turn affects turnover rates and safety on sites.
The study stated there’s an “urgent need” for better support systems on the job, and says the current standard is putting workers at risk.
As a result, the CSNS is implementing supports for small and mid-size construction companies across NS, in support of reducing the stigma around mental illness.
“We know that anytime you’re distracted and stressed, your risk for having a safety incident goes up,” said MacDonald. “A lot of the work we’re engaged in is around reducing that stigma. We really need to be paying attention to mental health, stress levels, and managing them and supporting them in a better way.”
I could not agree more, which is why I wanted to share some “next” practices in supporting health and wellness at work.
My recommendation for the industry, based on years of partnership, is to consider these 4 overarching steps to address the issue thoroughly:
1. Increased Access to Mental Health Resources, such as engaging your team in peer to peer programming.
2. Training and Support for Managers through resource development. Talk to the experts about the best tools for Managers.
3. Culture Shift efforts by creating a more representative workforce. Reflect your community!
4. Individual Strategies like promoting work/life balance by developing modules that are not just one offs – but ongoing information throughout the year.
If you would like to know more about how to develop and implement these and other inclusive strategies check out www.disabilityeducation.ca
Let us know what you need, we’d love to support your workplace on the journey to becoming a fair, accommodating, inclusive and representative place to work.
